Athos6
Tao Master
But, my M2 is still with DAG...Ahh well. So I'll start with some observations. They are both really small! From the pictures I thought they would be about the same size as my 35mm Ultron and 50mm Nokton but they are dinky. Another thing that surprised me was the fact that both seemed well made, the focus and aperture on both lenses were smooth, hopefully they perform as well as they appear. If I get time I take some pictures of them.
payasam
a.k.a. Mukul Dube
The Ultron and the Nokton are faster than the J-12 and the J-8, which explains the difference in sizes. I have a J-12 which I use on my M2 without problems.
89rzweig
Member
J-8 & J-12 are fine lenses. J-12 is almost exactly pre-WWii Zeiss' Biogon. My copy is really very good from f/4 on. If you put a UV filter on it, then changing the aperture becomes much more easier and quicker.
J-8 is -- again -- almost exact copy Zeiss' Sonnar from early 1930's and it behaves like one. It has smooth, nice bokeh wide-open and nice sharpness and contrast at f/5.6. J-3 (50/1.5 Sonnar) is undoubtedly better lens and its Sonnar look is even more pronounced when wide-open and it is sharper when stopped-down, but it also costs 5x more... J-8 has the best price/performance ratio among the FSU lenses.
J-8 is -- again -- almost exact copy Zeiss' Sonnar from early 1930's and it behaves like one. It has smooth, nice bokeh wide-open and nice sharpness and contrast at f/5.6. J-3 (50/1.5 Sonnar) is undoubtedly better lens and its Sonnar look is even more pronounced when wide-open and it is sharper when stopped-down, but it also costs 5x more... J-8 has the best price/performance ratio among the FSU lenses.
markrich
Enthusiatic amatuer
I am considering a Jupiter 12 for my Zorki 4. Bit worried about the fat end to it but hoping to get one soon anyway. What is your experience so far?
julio1fer
Well-known
FWIW I use routinely a J-12 in my Zorki 4 and Zorki 6. A bit of care is needed when mounting the lens, to avoid scratching that huge glass in the back.
Florian1234
it's just hide and seek
I'm very happy with my J-8 and have a black J-12 in the mail. It should arrive this week. And I'm veeery curious how good it will be. 
nzeeman
Well-known
florian i think it will be ok i tried it on m4 (but didnt scanned yet) and it looks very good. btw that j9 you bought look like very good lens also. and no problems with focusing as i see...
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Florian1234
it's just hide and seek
Good to hear, looking forward to see some results of that.From what year is your version? Mine seems to be from '73 judged from the serial number.
nzeeman
Well-known
mine is from 64. it is really sharp lens, only has a bit more flare than j8...
Florian1234
it's just hide and seek
I see. Hope to get it in the mail tomorrow.